Easy Homemade Beer Bread (No Yeast)
Looking for a way to use that random can of beer hanging out in the back of the fridge?
- 3 cups all-purpose flour ($0.30)
- 1 Tbsp sugar ($0.06)
- 1 Tbsp baking powder ($0.12)
- 2 tsp salt ($0.04)
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese* ($0.62)
- 4 Tbsp butter, divided** ($1.20)
- 12 oz. beer (one regular-sized can) ($0.92)
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Melt the butter in a small sauce pot. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of a 9x5 loaf pan with butter. Set the remaining butter aside.
- Add the beer to the flour mixture and stir until a thick batter forms. Transfer the batter to the prepared bread pan, making sure to spread it out evenly inside the bread pan.
- Pour the rest of the melted butter on top of the bread dough.
- Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes, or until deeply golden brown on top.
- Once slightly cool (about 10 minutes), run a butter knife around the inside edge of the pan gently to loosen the edges, and then turn the bread onto a cutting board to slice and serve.
Transform it into a loaf of deliciously-cheesy Beer Bread! Thanks to the beer, this super-easy quick bread recipe still delivers on the classic, yeasty flavor of a long-fermented loaf, but comes together in a fraction of the time. Best of all, there’s no kneading required.
All recipes are rigorously tested in our Nashville Test Kitchen to ensure they are easy, affordable, and delicious. WHAT IS BEER BREAD?
Beer Bread is a type of “quick bread” that uses the flavor and carbonation in beer to create a fluffy, buttery, tangy loaf in just an hour. Unlike most homemade bread recipes, this one doesn’t require any kneading, resting time, or additional yeast.
We also included some shredded cheddar cheese to make our loaf extra rich and flavorful!
BEST BEERS FOR BEER BREAD
We chose a budget-friendly, light beer for our loaf, but almost any kind of beer can be used to make this recipe. Keep in mind: the beer you choose will influence the flavor of the bread, so make sure to pick something you like!
How to choose the best beer for beer bread:
- Light beers – Generally, light beers will create a light-colored loaf with an airy texture and a more subtle, malty flavor.
- Dark beers – Darker beers like stouts and porters will give the bread a slightly darker color and more robust flavor than light beer.
- Hoppy beers & IPAs – Since pale ales tend to be very bitter, they aren’t an ideal choice. That intense flavor will carry over and may give the bread a lingering sour aftertaste.
HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS
Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Store the bread in the pantry or on the counter (for 1-2 days) or in the fridge (for 4-5 days). This bread also freezes beautifully. Tightly wrap the loaf in a layer of plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
serving suggestions This beer bread lands somewhere between a regular, sliceable loaf of bread and a savory, ultra-rich loaf cake. So the possibilities are kind of endless!
- Slice it thick, toast it up, and slather each slice with softened butter, savory jam, or a generous serving of our Slow-Cooker Hot Buttered Apples!
- This decadent loaf is also great with a Simple Side Salad or served on the side of a quick & easy main dish that’s protein- and vegetable-forward, like our Crunchy Kale Chicken Salad, Butternut Squash Salad, or Pesto Chicken and Broccoli Salad.
- Or, simply rip and dip into a brothy soup or stew, like our 15-Minute Vegetable Curry, Pumpkin Soup, or Creamy Vegetable and Wild Rice Soup. A thick, hearty slice would also be a great alternative to the classic grilled cheese served alongside our Tomato Herb Soup!
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a small sauce pot. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of a 9×5 loaf pan with butter. Set the remaining butter aside.
Notes
- * If using unsalted butter, you may want to add an additional ¼ teaspoon of salt with the rest of the dry ingredients or sprinkle the same amount on top of the loaf just before baking.
How to Make BEER BREAD – Step by Step Photos
Preheat the oven to 375℉. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a small sauce pot or skillet. Use a pastry brush to coat the inside of a 9×5″ loaf pan with about 1/2 tablespoon of the melted butter.
Set the rest of the butter aside. Pour 12 oz. (1 1/2 cups) of beer into the flour mixture.
Mix until a thick batter forms and no clumps of dry ingredients remain. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly. Tap it on the counter a few times to help eliminate any air pockets.
Pour the rest of the melted butter (about 3 1/2 tablespoons) on top of the bread dough. Bake the beer bread for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is evenly golden brown and crispy. Let the bread cool slightly (about 10 minutes) in the loaf pan.
Run a butter knife around the inside edge of the pan to loosen the edges, then flip the bread out onto a cutting board to slice and serve. As one of my favorite TikTok creators (@tanaradoublechocolate) would say: “It ain’t gonna slide down easy if it ain’t cheesy!” Hope y’all love this Easy Beer Bread as much as we do! ~Marion :)
